Trump's TikTok Deal: What's Happening Now?

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The saga of TikTok in the United States has been a rollercoaster, especially during Donald Trump's presidency. Let's dive into the details of the proposed deal and where it stands today.

The Initial Ban and Concerns

In 2020, then-President Trump raised significant national security concerns regarding TikTok, a hugely popular video-sharing app owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. The primary worry was that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government, posing a risk to American citizens.

  • National Security Concerns: The Trump administration argued that TikTok's data collection practices could compromise user privacy and potentially be used for espionage.
  • Executive Orders: Trump issued executive orders aimed at banning TikTok from operating in the U.S. if ByteDance did not divest its ownership.

The Proposed Deal

To avoid a ban, a deal was proposed that would involve Oracle and Walmart taking a significant stake in a new U.S.-based entity called TikTok Global. This entity would supposedly ensure that American user data was stored and managed within the United States, addressing the security concerns.

Key Components of the Deal:

  1. Oracle as a Technology Partner: Oracle was slated to become TikTok's technology partner, responsible for securing user data and ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations.
  2. Walmart's Role: Walmart was expected to bring its e-commerce expertise to the partnership, potentially integrating shopping features into the app.
  3. Data Security Measures: The deal aimed to establish strict protocols for data handling, with all U.S. user data stored on Oracle's cloud infrastructure.

Where Does the Deal Stand Today?

With the change in administration, the status of the Trump-era TikTok deal has become uncertain. The Biden administration has taken a more measured approach, conducting its own review of the potential security risks associated with the app.

Current Status:

  • Review Under the Biden Administration: The Biden administration has initiated a comprehensive review of the national security risks posed by TikTok and other foreign-owned apps.
  • Executive Order Revoked: President Biden revoked the Trump-era executive orders targeting TikTok and replaced them with a new framework for assessing risks from foreign-owned apps.
  • Ongoing Negotiations: Negotiations are ongoing between ByteDance and the U.S. government to find a solution that addresses security concerns while allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S.

The Future of TikTok in the U.S.

The future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, but it's clear that the app's popularity isn't waning. Any final resolution will likely involve stringent data security measures and ongoing oversight to protect user privacy.

Possible Outcomes:

  • Strengthened Data Security: TikTok may need to implement even more robust data security measures to satisfy U.S. regulators.
  • Continued Scrutiny: The app will likely face continued scrutiny from both the government and the public regarding its data practices.
  • Potential for New Partnerships: TikTok may explore new partnerships to further solidify its commitment to data security and compliance.

In Conclusion: The Trump TikTok deal was an attempt to address national security concerns, but its current status is in flux. As the Biden administration continues its review, the future of TikTok in the U.S. hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!